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August/September 2012(vol. 09/2)

Research Plus

Primary prevention of occupational asthma

There is moderate evidence that exposure elimination is the most powerful means for the primary prevention of occupational asthma (OA), according to this systematic review (29 studies included). While exposure reduction is likely to reduce disease burden, there is only limited evidence to support this statement. There is strong evidence that substitution of powdered allergen-rich natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves greatly reduces NRL sensitisation and NRL-related asthma. There is limited evidence that skin exposure to workplace allergens contributes to occupational sensitisation and OA, and that respiratory protective equipment can contribute to primary prevention of OA.